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Your Question:
Why did God allow this suffering?
Answer:
As a pastor, I've had to grapple with this question many times, and I've come to understand that God's ways are not our ways. Just because we can't see the reason for a particular suffering doesn't mean it's not there. In fact, God's people have always believed that He uses suffering for our good, even when it seems unmerited or pointless. Think of the cross of Christ - He voluntarily underwent incomprehensible suffering for us, and it's through that suffering that we've been redeemed. I've also come to realize that God's perspective is not limited by time or space. He sees the big picture, and what seems like a small, insignificant event to us might be part of a much larger plan that unfolds over centuries. Only an all-knowing God could grasp the complexities of directing a world of free people toward His envisioned goals. So, even if we can't see the reason for a particular suffering, we can trust that God is working everything out for our good. As I reflect on the cross of Christ, I'm reminded of the great love He displayed in His suffering and death. He didn't have to do it, but He chose to, because He loves us so much. And that's what gives me hope in the midst of suffering. I may not understand why God allows certain things to happen, but I know that He's working everything out for my good, and that's a comfort that I cling to.
Sources:
warranted christian belief
alvin plantinga
raising passionate jesus followers
phil diane comer
on guard
william lane craig
why does god allow evil
clay jones
dogmatic theology
shedd
my utmost for his highest
oswald chambers
potters freedom
james white
christian theology
millard erickson
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